Too much sunlight makes me grumpy, and I don't like how corporate Pride became (there was a tipping point well over a decade ago, but I can't remember exactly what it was), but everybody else is in a good mood, and thanks for all the barbecue.
Since the conversation is turning serious, here (PDF warning) is the June 2007 issue of Lesbian/Gay Law Notes, issued monthly by New York Law School's Justice Action Center and Prof. Arthur S. Leonard.
This issue seems very optimistic. The lead article is headlined, "LGBT legislative landslide," and the next article discusses an interesting child-support case in Pennsylvania.
Maybe it's just lingering rage over Carhart, but I can't bring myself to see peaches-&-cream everywhere.
Anyway, the "legislative landslide" --
(1) Oregon now is the first state to broaden language banning sexual-orientation to include gender-identity discrimination. Governor's press release here.
(Aside: The argument for taking money from the reactionary corporate greedheads used to be pretty simple -- "They want to give us their money! Why shouldn't we take it?" So was the counter-argument -- "Because it makes me puke.")
(2) Colorado enacted an anti-discrimination measure. Hmmm, maybe accepting all that Coors money really did change the world.
(3) Iowa added sexuality and gender identity to an existing law that has a large loophole for religious organizations.
(4) New Hampshire will authorize civil unions starting January 1, 2008. One result is that the state will stop fighting a case in which two lesbian state employees had sought benefits for their partners.
So that's the good news. Is it just me, or does it seem a little cold, thin, and watery -- kinda like Coors?
Tags: politics, law, policy, gay pride, pride, LGBT, LGBTQI, lesbians, child custody, child support, New York Law School, Justice Action Project, beer, corporate greedheads.
You've mischaracterized what happened in Oregon. That's a brand new sexual orientation law, not merely an extension of an existing law to include gender identity.
Posted by: Art Leonard | June 25, 2007 at 06:00 AM
I appreciate the criticism, Prof. Leonard.
For those who want to do some more reading, here a few more links:
Full text of Senate Bill 2:
http://landru.leg.state.or.us/07reg/measures/sb0001.dir/sb0002.en.html
Basic Rights Oregon (adovcacy group):
http://www.basicrights.org/
Corporate media coverage:
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070503/LEGISLATURE/705030318/1042/STATE
Posted by: Stein | June 25, 2007 at 03:26 PM
The tide has turned, though there's still plenty of paddling to do.
The Lawrence case substantially broadened the constituency for privacy rights and, unlike the reproductive choice constituency, which is never really gonna be proud of abortion, the LGBT community is proud, committed, and growing.
It may well end up being LGBTS who do the most to protect the sexual freedom of heteros.
Godd bless ya, LGBTS. Your struggle is our struggle, but you're doing most of the work right now.
Posted by: TallSkinny | June 26, 2007 at 11:26 AM
Another tipping-point-of-corporatization: at the MNPLS Pride Parade (and others, I'd guess), Target hands out temporary tattoos of their logo, done in rainbow. This absolutely terrifies me. And Seattle's Pride Celebration is also weird, but differently so.
Posted by: Mairead Case | June 26, 2007 at 01:37 PM
Erm. Whoops on the hotlink -- differently so: http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/Content?oid=247561.
Posted by: Mairead Case | June 26, 2007 at 01:39 PM